Submarine fire: Navy officer Kapish Munwal cremated

Mumbai, Feb 28: Lt Commander Kapish Munwal, one of the two Navy officers who died in the fire onboard INS Sindhuratna off Mumbai coast two days ago, was today cremated here with full military honours.

The body of Munwal, who was the first to spot the fire in the third compartment of the submarine, was taken to Chandanwadi crematorium in central Mumbai after the conventional wreath-laying ceremony. The body was put in a casket wrapped in a tri-colour.

It reached the crematorium around 4 pm and was given guard of honour with about a dozen Navy men firing three rounds in the air. Munwal's father and brother, as also his fiancee Mishtu Chawala, were present in the crematorium. Chawala said she had spoken to Munwal some days before he went on the mission.

"He was sure that nothing will happen to him in the submarine," she said, speaking to reporters. She said Kapish had once told her that he would be very proud if he died while on duty.

"He wished to die for the country while on duty so that his body will be draped in the tricolour and guard of honour will be accorded to him," said Chawala.

Chawala also said it was very painful for him when he learnt about the INS Sindhurakshak mishap last year. The body of Lieutenant Commander Manoranjan Kumar, the other officer who died on the ill-fated vessel, is likely to be taken to his native state Jharkhand tomorrow for cremation.

PTI